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Gay.Do512 Explains is our new sister-series to Do512 Explains in which we spell out what the deal is with certain longtime LGBTQ+ Austin traditions. Whether you're a newbie who moved here last week or a longtime resident who just never got around to experiencing whatever thing we're talking about, Gay.Do512 Explains will make things clear to you in a tidy summary.
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AUSTIN PRIDE MONTH
Photo via Austin Pride
The official Pride Month in the United States happens June of every year. However, in Austin, our official Pride month isn't held until August. Ever wonder why that is? Yeah - us, too. That's why we put on our biggest investigative boots - er, maybe they're just comfy Tevas - to figure out why Austin holds their official Pride Parade in August.
Photo via Austin Pride
Nationwide, Pride Month is held in June as a nod to the Stonewall Riots of late June 1969. These riots occurred at the peak of anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment in the nation. Police raids of gay bars and other inclusive establishments were routine, as was violence against these marginalized communities. When the police attempted to raid the Stonewall Inn in the middle of the night on June 28, 1969, they were met with resistance that soon turned violent. After this event, protests began to break out through the city - and soon, the nation. Gay activist groups were formed in the villages of NYC and quickly spread across the United States. Today, the Stonewall Riots are recognized as the most important acts of resistance contributing to the gay liberation movement and the subsequent modern fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
Photo credit: Roger Ho
However, in Austin, Pride is celebrated in August for a combination of reasons: the first, the cost of running the festival. Because of the large number of celebrations happening across the nation in June, it's harder to get out-of-towners to come and it's also harder to book big talent for the Austin Pride Festival. Without the big talent and people coming into town, it's difficult to sell tickets, get sponsors, and fundraise. In addition, rain insurance (which is pretty costly) would be a necessary asset in June, whereas it's less likely to rain in the heat of August. Another contributing factor is that college students are usually gone in June but back for the school year in August. Volunteers for the festival (around 400 every year) are largely composed of students.
Photo via Austin Pride
For Austin Pride to run as smoothly as it does and be the best it can be, it only makes sense to hold the festival in August. Plus - it means we get an extra city-wide celebration in August in addition to all the fun events in June. But let's be honest - for the Austin LGBTQ+ community, every day of the year is a celebration of love, acceptance, and pride.
Austin Pride 2025 will happen on August 23rd in Downtown Austin. We'll see you there!
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